Lincoln Park Zoo

Sunbittern

Common name: Sunbittern
Latin Name: Eurypyga helias

Class: Birds
Order: Gruiformes

Description
An intricately patterned bird, the sunbittern has a blue head with white strips above and below the eye. The bird’s back features alternating black, white, blue and brown stripes, which help the bird blend into the forest habitats where it lives. The sunbittern can spread its wings to display large red, yellow and black spots, which can scare away predators, who mistake the markings for eyes.

Range
The sunbittern can be found from southern Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil.

Status
Common

Habitat
This species often inhabits forested creeks and streams.

Niche
The sunbittern uses its long, pointed beak to spear the fish that make up its diet.

Life History
The brightly colored patterns on the sunbittern’s wings can also be used to attract mates or drive away rivals. Sunbitterns make their nests from sticks, mud and leaves, and both parents cooperate in rearing their young.